Nature Adventures Camp Instructor

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center seeks a Nature Adventures Camp Instructor to lead hands-on science activities for children ages 4-12. You will work with the Nature Adventures Manager and other instructors to deliver engaging programs in a museum and outdoor setting.

The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, experience in leading educational programs, and the ability to supervise staff.

Qualifications

• Experience leading classroom-based, informal educational programs.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work unsupervised and be self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• Teach and facilitate camp activities in natural history and science.
• Prepare curricula and supplies for each camp session.
• Interface with parents during check-in and checkout.
• Supervise and guide assistant instructors and teen counselors.
• Maintain class control and manage group activities.
• Breakdown and organize supplies at day end.
• Support guest experience and assist guests navigating the Museum.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Organization

Self-motivated

Reliability

Job description

Title: Nature Adventures Camp Instructor

Classification: Temporary, non-exempt

Department: Education - Nature Adventures

Reports To: Nature Adventures Manager

Wage Band: Technical Skills Level 1

Pay: $20.80 per hour

Mission: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History inspires a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world.

Position Summary: The Camp Instructor will work with the Nature Adventures Manager and other lead and assistant instructors in science programs for children ages 4-12 at the Museum.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Work with Nature Adventures Manager, Nature Adventures Coordinator, and other instructors.
• Interface with parents during check-in and checkout periods.
• Be prepared for camp by reading the curricula and prepping pertinent supplies.
• Teach and facilitate camp activities ranging in a variety of natural history and science-based subjects.
• Breakdown and organize supplies at the close of each camp day.
• Work with Teen Programs participants (Quasars to Sea Stars and/or Counselors-in-Training--youth personnel ages 13-17) to help support camps. Provide feedback and recommendations on teen personnel involvement to Nature Adventures Manager and/or Coordinator.
• Maintain appropriate control of class during sessions.
• Supervise the assistant instructors during sessions.
• Supervise, manage, and teach group activities.
• Contributes to a positive guest experience by greeting and addressing any questions when encountering guests as they navigate through the Museum and Sea Center.
• Supports the Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for fellow staff, guests and the community.
• Other duties as needed.

Must be available for the following schedule (preference given to those who can workall 3 weeks):

• Friday, November 20th, 2026 (9:00 - 5:00 PM, Mandatory Training)
• Monday-Wednesday, November 23-25th, 2026 (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM as needed)
• Friday, November 27th, 2026 (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM as needed)

And/Or:

• Friday, December 18th, 2026 (9:00 - 5:00 PM, Mandatory Training)
• Monday - Wednesday, December 21-23 & 28-30, 2026 (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM as needed)

Essential Requirements:

• Experience in leading classroom based, informal educational programs, or related work.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Self-motivated and creative.
• Dependable, reliable.
• First Aid certified (preferred).

Work Environment:

• Outdoor environment, including creek and trail exploration.
• Museum based educational classroom environment.
• Frequent walking, may include uneven or unpaved terrain.
• Lifting, up to 30 lbs.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting.

The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Essential Requirements are representative and are essential for satisfactory job performance. The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job. The Museum will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.